AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- The call to elect a Christian conservative to the post of speaker of the Texas House is "deplorable" for drawing religion into the process, observers said.
Conservative activist Peter Morrison said in his newsletter subscribers should elect a Christian conservative to replace current Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, who is Jewish, the San Antonio Express-News reported.
Straus' three opponents for the speaker's post decried the injection of religion into the contest and said comments by Morrison in his newsletter, "The Peter Morrison Report," are "deplorable personal attacks".
Morrison said his "opposition to Speaker Straus is based on his liberal policy positions, not his religion".
"If Joe Straus had actually worked as speaker to pass good, conservative legislation on immigration and other important issues, I wouldn't be opposing him".
The House General Investigating and Ethics Committee is looking into Morrison's writings.
"We're fairly sure that he's violated some codes with his intimidation of elected officials," said Rep. Chuck Hopson, R-Jackson, chairman of the committee.
Rep. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, dropped his support for Straus last week after one of Straus' supporters allegedly told Hughes that members who oppose Straus would lose their seats in redistricting next year.
"We'll find out if someone was intimidated, if they were, did it break a law?" Hopson said.
Hopson's committee will explore the allegations in a public hearing Nov. 23; House members will choose the speaker Jan. 11, 2011.
UPI
